There are countless places to visit, things to do and attractions to delight all comers in this beautiful country we call home. Here are some favourite picks from the people behind Fifty-Five Plus and Coyle Media Group.
By Pam Dillon
“I am proud to say I have been to every province and territory in Canada—other than Nunavut,” says Jon Hudon. “My wife went there without me.”
Jon, Coyle Media Group (CMG)’s design manager, points out all sorts of places and landmarks that are well worth the trip:
- The waterfalls at Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Old Quebec City
- New Brunswick’s Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, famous for its towering Flowerpot Rocks and incredible Bay of Fundy tides
Talking about the pleasures of travelling in Canada, Jon says, “For me, it’s all about our nature. The views and our wildlife … It’s fishing in Yukon and canoeing with moose in Algonquin Park.”
If, like Jon and so many of the rest of us, you love our country’s wild and incredibly diverse nature, have you thought of paying a visit to Churchill, Manitoba? It has been called the Polar Bear Capital of the World. It’s also the site of the largest beluga whale migration and an ideal place to view the northern lights. Note: The best viewing time is from January to March and there are tour options to make the experience truly amazing. While you’re there, you can also try dogsledding.
Both Jon and Fifty-Five Plus writer Iris Winston call attention to the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, those spectacular mountains that stretch along the Alberta-British Columbia border. While the tallest peak is Mount Robson in B.C., spots like Banff and Jasper are not only famously scenic, they are also places you can enjoy in all seasons—especially if you like to hike, climb, ski or spend time outdoors.
Iris also makes note of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She describes it as “a great place to be with a family” and, certainly, it’s a fine place to be for visitors as well. Its scenic river valley, rich Indigenous and prairie heritage and vibrant arts and food scene make it an inviting destination. Top attractions include Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Remai Modern museum and the Meewasin Trail.
Closer to home, one popular destination is Ontario’s Niagara wine region. CMG’s Jennifer Geleta speaks highly of the many attractions—the beautiful flowers in Niagara on the Lake, the lush clusters of grapes hanging low and heavy from the vines at vineyards and the delight of cycling from winery to winery. “We went to STRATOS, Wayne Gretzky and Trius all by bike, then to the Ravine Vinyards. This was lovely.”
And it isn’t just the wine scene that is a main attraction in Niagara wine country. Along with the lovely setting, the foodie scene is pretty spectacular, too, says Jennifer. She recommends Zees Wine Bar & Grill in Niagara on the Lake. “The food presented was elevated, absolutely divine and beautifully plated.”
CMG’s Marc Lahaie, a French Canadian, often talks with pride about Quebec, the province he calls home. Whether it’s whale watching in Tadoussac, skiing at Tremblant or Mont-Sainte-Anne, dining in Quebec City (there are six Michelin-starred restaurants), exporting the Old Port in Montreal or spending the day in Chelsea, there are compelling attractions at any time of year.
As for Nova Scotia, CMG’s Kristie Ottway recommends Ovens Natural Park near Lunenburg on the South Shore. It’s famous for its dramatic sea caves carved into the cliffs and Kristie recommends hiking the trail along the water. Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove and the Queensland and Bayswater beaches are other N.S. spots worth visiting, she says.
If you visit Prince Edward Island, you’ll see for yourself that the lyrics of Stompin’ Tom Connors famous song, Bud the Spud, are true: The soil really is red, but it’s not all that’s eye-catching in P.E.I. Charlottetown is full of charm, the lighthouses are picturesque, the seafood is famous and if you read Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books, you’ll want to visit Green Gables Heritage Place.
And for an extraordinary bucket list adventure, explore Canada’s North—from Yukon’s mountains to the Northwest Territories’ aurora and Nunavut’s Arctic wilderness. It’s spectacular.
Finally, Fifty-Five Plus writer Jennifer Hartley has travelled all over the world. (When there’s an email from her, she’s not necessarily on the same continent.) Having done plenty of touring across the country, Jennifer is quick to identify these two favourite Canadian destinations:
- Cape Spear, Newfoundland, near St. John’s. “It’s the first place in Canada to greet the day and it is spectacular, surrounded by rugged shores and ocean as far as the eye can see. Summer, fall or winter, it is stunning. There are fabulous restaurants in St. John’s and there’s always a warm welcome on the Rock.”
- Ucluelet, B.C. “On the other side of the country, it’s one of the last places to see the sun in Canada. It’s also equally stunning, with a volcanic rock coast and super chilled environment where wellies and toques are high fashion.”
